Stream-of-consciousness writing is the practice of writing without stopping, without editing, without worrying about sense or structure. The hand keeps moving for a set period of time or until the page is full.
The Gift of This Practice
It bypasses the inner critic that so often stands between us and the page. What emerges is often surprising, sometimes messy, occasionally profound, and always revealing.
Set a timer for 10 or 15 minutes. Begin writing. Do not lift the pen. If you get stuck, repeat the last word you wrote until new words come.
This technique is especially valuable when you feel blocked or when you want to access thoughts and feelings that live beneath the surface of conscious awareness.